Commission schedules public hearing for Captain Gregory Corrales; scope limited to media‑relations charges

The commission began public proceedings on Jan. 28 in the disciplinary matter against Captain Gregory Corrales (file C04-123). OCC counsel told commissioners the parties had agreed not to present evidence that evening and instead to provide written submissions and scheduling proposals so the commission could review materials and prepare for a public hearing.

OCC counsel summarized the scope of the charges: "Captain Corrales is charged to this matter with making inappropriate comments to the media," counsel said, adding the allegations rest on possible violations of General Orders 8.09 and 2.01 governing media relations. Counsel said parties have worked cooperatively to select representative newspaper articles and anticipate stipulating to the accuracy of quoted statements to avoid litigating every word in open hearing.

Defense counsel Bill Fazio told the commission he and OCC counsel expected the contested matters could be completed over two Wednesday evening sessions but were open to a weekday schedule if the commission preferred. Commissioners asked for briefings in advance on First Amendment implications and on whether any comments prejudiced ongoing investigations; OCC counsel agreed to distribute a prior letter brief (citing Garcetti v. Ceballos) and to provide a short trial brief addressing anticipated legal standards.

Counsel also flagged potential confidentiality concerns: the OCC said two witnesses on its list may implicate confidential disciplinary files of other officers, and the city attorney (Marie Blitz) advised that the agenda should accommodate retiring into closed session if necessary to protect confidentiality. The commission did not set final hearing dates at the meeting; staff and counsel said they would circulate proposed dates and a witness list in advance.